NSW job opportunities lost under new wind farm rules

Jobs growth in regional New South Wales will suffer under the State Government’s restrictive new wind farm rules, the Australian Wind Alliance says.

National co-ordinator Andrew Bray said the rules put unnecessary constraints on where wind turbines can be built in New South Wales.

“These guidelines released today will unnecessarily limit the amount of wind energy built in the state,” Mr Bray said.

"This means regional communities will see fewer jobs and less income from new wind farm projects."

Mr Bray said the crackdown on what wind farms can look like made New South Wales more restrictive than other states.

“Wind energy is the cheapest form of electricity in Australia. These rules make New South Wales' wind energy less competitive compared to other states.

“Job-creating wind farms like White Rock and Sapphire wind farms in the New England couldn’t have gone ahead in their current form under these new rules. Around 400 people will be employed to build these projects".

Media inquiries: Zoe Edwards on 0400 144 794

The Australian Wind Alliance is a community-based advocacy group of farmers, wind workers, small businesses and residents. We share a common vision of harnessing Australia’s world-class wind resources to power our homes, cities and industries with clean renewable energy. Go to www.windalliance.org.au for details.